DENPASAR ~ A fuel depot belonging to leisure firm Bounty Cruise at Benoa Harbor exploded last Friday around 11am, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damages, an official said.

One man, who helped locals to contain the fire, which he said spread quickly to nearby buildings, said he was disappointed with the late arrival of the fire department.

“The harbor fire department said they couldn’t come because they didn’t have anyone to drive the vehicle,” the man, who asked to remain nameless, said.

He said without the help of the fire department, locals were forced to use any water they could find to kill the flames, including seawater and water from nearby taps.

Owner of Bounty Cruise I Gde Wiratha said the company had lost five tons of diesel fuel, 300 liters of petrol and the warehouse in the fire.

“It’s far too difficult to find a fire hydrant in this big harbor and I’m very disappointed in the service of the fire department,” Wiratha said.

Head of Benoa Police Gusti Ayu Putu Suinaci said the source of the fire was being investigated.